Canada has updated its feed regulations to harmonize provincial restrictions and improve animal health and food safety standards across all provinces.
Canada Unifies Feed Rules Across All Provinces
New regulations align provincial bans to create a single national standard for feed safety.
What changed
Unified feed ban framework implemented to align restrictions across provinces.
Feed products under HS code 230990 are now subject to uniform compliance nationwide.
Regional inconsistencies eliminated to support a cohesive national policy framework.
Who it affects
Feed importers and manufacturers must ensure products under HS code 230990 meet the unified national standard.
Regulation Analysis: Canada’s Updated Feed Regulations and Enhanced Feed Ban (EFB) Amendments
Canada is proposing amendments to its Enhanced Feed Ban (EFB) regulations to harmonize provincial restrictions, align with current scientific assessments, and reduce regulatory burden while maintaining animal health and food safety standards. The amendments introduce targeted flexibility for Eligible Specified Risk Material (ESRM) in non-ruminant livestock feed, fertilizer, and pet food, while continuing to prohibit all Specified Risk Material (SRM) in food and ruminant feed1, 2.
Key Changes and Requirements
1. Scope of Amendments
The proposed amendments will modify the following regulations to ensure consistency across Canada’s feed, fertilizer, and food safety frameworks:
- Health of Animals Regulations2
- Feeds Regulations, 20242
- Fertilizers Regulations2
- Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR)2
- Food and Drug Regulations (FDR)2
2. Permitted and Prohibited Uses of Specified Risk Material (SRM)
| Material Type | Permitted Uses | Prohibited Uses | Citation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible SRM (ESRM) | Non-ruminant livestock feed, fertilizer, and pet food (under defined conditions) | Food, ruminant feed | 1, 2 |
| All SRM | None | Food, ruminant feed | 1, 2 |
3. Scientific and Risk-Based Justification
- Canada’s negligible BSE risk status, recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) since 2021, supports the reclassification of lower-risk SRM as ESRM2.
- Updated scientific assessments confirm that ESRM use in non-ruminant feed, fertilizer, and pet food does not increase risks to human or animal health when existing safeguards remain in place2.
4. Compliance and Enforcement Authority
- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is the responsible agency for implementing and enforcing the amended regulations2.
- The amendments align with WOAH’s Terrestrial Animal Health Code (Chapter 11.4), ensuring conformity with international standards1.
5. Timeline and Stakeholder Engagement
| Milestone | Details | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Publication in Canada Gazette, Part I | 11 July 2026 (proposed amendments published for comment) | 2 |
| Final Date for Comments | 13 September 2026 (60 days from notification) | 1, 2 |
| Proposed Adoption | Within 12–18 months of publication in Canada Gazette, Part I | 1, 2 |
| Entry into Force | On the date of registration and publication in Canada Gazette, Part II | 1 |
6. Stakeholder Feedback and Contact Information
- Comments on the proposed amendments must be submitted by 13 September 20261, 2.
- Submissions should be directed to:
Canada’s Notification Authority and Enquiry Point Global Affairs Canada Technical Barriers and Regulations Division 111 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2 Email: enquirypoint@international.gc.ca1, 2
Summary Answer
Canada’s proposed amendments to the Enhanced Feed Ban (EFB) regulations introduce targeted flexibility by permitting Eligible Specified Risk Material (ESRM) in non-ruminant livestock feed, fertilizer, and pet food under defined conditions, while maintaining prohibitions on all SRM in food and ruminant feed1, 2. The changes align with Canada’s negligible BSE risk status and WOAH standards, reducing regulatory burden without compromising animal health or food safety2. The amendments will modify the Health of Animals Regulations, Feeds Regulations, 2024, Fertilizers Regulations, Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR), and Food and Drug Regulations (FDR)2. Stakeholders may submit comments until 13 September 2026, with final adoption expected within 12–18 months of publication in the Canada Gazette, Part I1, 2. The CFIA will oversee compliance and enforcement2.
Sources
- ↩ Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Relating to Harmonization of the Enhanced Feed Ban https://docs.wto.org/imrd/directdoc.asp?DDFDocuments/T/G/SPS/NCAN1645.docx
- ↩ Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Relating to Harmonization of the Enhanced Feed Ban (Available in English and French, 36 and 41 pages) https://docs.wto.org/imrd/directdoc.asp?DDFDocuments/T/G/TBTN26/CAN781.docx